Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) is now the first Kenyan bank to train its front-facing staff in basic Kenya Sign Language and disability etiquette in a bid to promote inclusive banking for people with disabilities.
In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the front-facing DTB staff has received certification from the Deaf Institute of Communication and Sign Language Training after completing a six-week training program and examination on service delivery at the institute.
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DTB Finance and Strategy director Alkarim Jiwa said: “Persons living with disabilities are an integral part of the Kenyan banking public. In line with our customer-centricity strategy, we have trained our staff to ensure that we can cater to each and every person that visits any DTB branch across the country.”
“We have also ensured easy accessibility to our branches by having elevators or ramps where needed and low-counter teller cubicles. This is in line with our ongoing expansion efforts across the country, as we seek to grow our footprint by expanding the DTB branch network countrywide by 40 by the end of 2023. The effort today is a sign of commitment to creating more convenience for all our customers, and ensure we’re truly an inclusive bank for the Kenyan public.” he added.
In addition, the bank has also enhanced its digital channels accessibility, with the website and internet banking channels inclusive for visually impaired persons and persons with dyslexia to easily consume content.
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On his part, the Deaf Institute of Communication and Sign Language Training Director Boniface Muriithi said: “DTB has taken an important step with this move, in ensuring that persons living with disabilities are served with dignity and can enjoy all services like everyone else. We hope to have more banks on board and together we can bolster financial inclusion in our country and the greater East African region.”
The move is also in line with the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) financial inclusion strategy, with the aspirations to ensure full access to banking services for persons with disabilities across the industry.